UN secretary-general condemns New Orleans terrorist attack

Florencia Soto Niño-Martinez, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, has expressed the secretary-general’s strong condemnation of the attack in New Orleans.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack in New Orleans, where a driver struck a crowd gathered to celebrate the New Year, reportedly killing at least 15 people and injuring over 30 others,” the spokesperson said, Caliber.Az reports, citing a message posted on the UN website. 

“He extends his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and to the Government and people of Louisiana and the United States. He also wishes a swift recovery to those persons injured,” according to the statement.

At least 15 people have been killed, and around 30 others injured after a vehicle plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on early January 1 morning, according to local police and city officials. The driver responsible for a hit-and-run in New Orleans is presumed dead. An explosive device was discovered at the location where 10 people were killed. 

A Louisiana State Police bulletin circulated among law enforcement has contained a possible clue related to the terrorist attack. The document said surveillance footage captured three men and a woman placing one of multiple improvised explosive devices. The suspect in the New Orleans terrorist attack, 42-year-old US citizen Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was a veteran of the US Army. The FBI clarified that the suspect completed his military service without any complaints.

By Naila Huseynova